AFC title matchup: Ravens vs. Patriots

Chandler Jones – The Patriots must pressure Flacco to limit his opportunities in the vertical passing game. Jones, a first-round pick, has been slowed by an ankle injury and the rookie wall. He has zero sacks since totaling six in the first eight games. Now would be a good time to break through.

Why the Ravens will win

The Ravens offense is multidimensional. It can go deep with its speed. It presents matchup problems over the middle with the size of tight ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson and wide receiver Anquan Boldin. Add versatile running back Ray Rice, who is as dangerous as a receiver as he is a runner, and Baltimore has all the tools to keep Brady on the sideline.

Why the Patriots will win

Even without Gronkowski, this offense is too sound to be quieted at home. Brady has enough weapons and the precision to pick this defense apart, and Baltimore's special teams is reeling. Last week, it allowed a 90-yard punt return and 104-yard kickoff return, both for touchdowns. One week is a short turnaround to solve a disaster.